I've been trying to get antibiotics for DS for 2 days and finally "computer says no". Rant

[crimplene]

DS has had recurrent balanitis (infected foreskin) and both times it's happened before it's been out of hours. Both times I dragged him to the out of hours GP service in the small hours and got antibiotics. Both times met with culturally insensitve GPs who thought I should get him circumcised as a first line of defence. Took him to (nice) GP and asked for prescription for more antibiotics that I could get if it kicked off again. GP agreed, reluctantly, but given how fast it flared up both times he could see that it would reduce DS's misery if I could get them more quickly.

So on Friday night DS's foreskin starts looking like a small balloon again so I found an out of hours chemist and got the prescription - this time is was for the generic antibiotic instead of the brand name one we'd had before. By Saturday lunchtime DS was refusing to make eye contact, running round the room, hitting, biting, head-butting and laughing maniacally (normally boisterous, but very good tempered). So we looked at the side effects list and sure enough 'hyperactivity' and as we hadn't had the same reaction to the branded drug we decided that it was probably down to the E number/ preservative cocktail they'd put in there.

Tried to get another appt with the out of hours service on Sunday and found ourselves talking to a nurse who basically said that over-riding a GP's prescription would be against protocol. Made appt with duty GP this morning who gave me a prescription for the generic drug and wote 'no preservatives' on it. Boots refused to do it as they would have to give me the branded drug on a geneeric prescription and that would reduce their profit margin. Tried various other pharmacies but could only get the stuff with the 'Allura red + Sodium benzoate' combo.

Went back to duty GP who said that the generic drug is the only one on the computer and I could have that or nothing - and if it flares up again, which it will becasue he's only had one day's worth of a 14 day course of antibiotics, I can take him (in terrible pain again) to A&E - and I should get him circumcised Doesn't a GP have the discretion to write a sodding prescription if the computer doesn't agree? What do I do now?

Can you see your usual GP (not the out of hours service) by ringing first thing in the morning. I really think this is appalling service. Also write and compain to the out of hours service.

GPs and nurses can issue prescriptions for specific brands of drugs, if patients have adverse reactions to generic ones issued by chemist - your GP may have to hand write one and record it on the PC - phone the surgery for a telephone consultation and request this - have you considered an appt with the surgeon/ urologist if this is a recurring prob for your LO?

Good idea - I'll try again tomorrow, it just feels like they're taking rationing to a ridiculous level. I made the duty GP take a swab at least to find out exactly what bug's causing the problem - so perhaps that will point them in the direction of another antibiotic the computer agrees to. Actually I feel better for just having a rant.